I have a disorder that causes me swallowing difficulties. Sometimes it gets so bad that I have to go on a baby food, or a liquid diet. I am on the baby food diet at the moment.
I think an ulcer may be causing this particular flair-up, but I really don't want to talk about that right now. That's not the point of this post. The point of this post is attitude. I usually go into a major funk when I have to go on one of these diets. I LOVE to eat. I LOVE to bake. And I LOVE to eat what I bake. Take my food away, and I get a tad grumpy. Okay, probably more than a tad. I start to feel sorry for myself, because "everyone else" gets to eat a cheeseburger.
No, not everyone.
There is this little place. You may have heard of it.
It's called, "Africa."
I have some friends who are there at this very moment. Friends who stood in an official's office today. They dug in their heels and said (in so many words), " We are not leaving until you sign the paperwork." And they didn't, until a certain official signed that significant paperwork. Paperwork that NOW legally allows them to feed 60 children in Korah.
My sweet friend, Lindsey Andrews, posted this on her Facebook status:
"
(Yeah, now you know why Lindsey is often referred to as: "Bulldog." That's what you get when you have someone who is CrAzY in love with Jesus, AND an attorney.)
Do you know about Korah?
Please watch this if you don't.
(You'll need some Kleenex.)
(You'll need some Kleenex.)
"Cursed and Unimportant."
What if that was said about YOUR children?
What if that was YOUR child digging in the trash for food?
Yeah, kinda puts a whole new spin on things. Things like complaining about having to eat baby food.
I eat like a queen.
Enough with the "poor me," already.
Enough with the "poor me," already.
The following is a post from Tom Cox, who was also in Korah:
Layla
Great article, young lady. Keep telling it like it is
ReplyDeleteAmen - it is all relative - I heart reading you!! God bless - and I know that right now you are going through the swallowing thing - no matter what's happening in Africa - this is affecting you RIGHT NOW - and I think it's ok to be a little grumpy. If I were there I'd make sure to go on a liquid diet so you wouldn't have to be alone - as a matter of fact - if you are still having the problem I'll promise this - I'll go liquid as long as you have to - I'll share in your thing - from Missouri to Oklahoma. Deal? Let me know.
ReplyDeleteCraig, I am in tears right now. No one has ever offered to share in this, something I am positive would have never crossed my mind to do. The thought of you offering to do that is humbling. You really are your Father's son. ;) Dear friend, please do not subject yourself to this. You already have your own health cross to bear, and it would burden my heart to know you'd be suffering from something else.
ReplyDeleteI wish that I, and my WHOLE family, could meet you in person. You are so precious, kind, and rare.
Please carry this in prayer, and not physically. The fact that you would offer is enough to make my heart burst with how much God can love someone through another person. It truly Reveals how NOT ALONE I am.
How about we both pray together for Korah? (I have friends continually working with Korah, trying to get food to those kids.) Let's commit to a time to do that, okay? When are you usually up for the day? I'll make sure to be on my knees, with you, at the same exact time. I could email you some more specific information about the situation that is going on there.
Never have I had a friend offer to walk this with me. Just knowing that you would do that is enough to blanket me in God's "I am with you always" love. He used you to bring that to a deeper level for me. I am beyond blessed.
Let me know what you think, and I will email you directly.
Big, big blessings to you!
smiling - thank you - I'm up (except for when I crash for a bit) from about 3AM onward - so pretty much anytime - the sleep thing makes long time commitments difficult - not the shorter stuff - I can pretty much do anything - for an hour. And the offer still stands - then you could tell me when you're drinking - and I'll be sure to do so at that time too - but you'd have to tell me what to drink - just let me know - emails welcome any time sister ツ
ReplyDeleteOh, I completely understand the long-time commitment thing! Totally. You have to roll with the punches that your health allows. How about we pray together, every day, when it comes to mind? It's so good to know that I have a brother out there praying with me. :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I just eat/drink when I am hungry, which is often. This type of diet doesn't stick with you long, so I am always snacking. I can send you the list, but like Sara...this is not about me. It's about Him, and His plan in this, and how HE brought such a precious friend into my life. So many precious friends... (Family too!)
It's also about relating to those who are in pain, in need, or are feeling alone. It's about the frightened and abandoned. It's about taking what I am going through (and what you are going through) and using it as a way to link our hearts to those who need compassion. A way for us to EXPERIENCE the value of compassion. (Not pity.) For how can you have compassion, in the way that Christ does,until you suffer in some way?
While the shock of your offer was still sinking in this morning, I felt God whispering to me, "There is a level of Me you cannot understand without this (sickness)."
And so, I know that I am not walking through this without purpose.
I will gladly email you about Korah. (Let me check for updates first.)
I hesitate to email you about my diet, because I fear for your health. You are so tired, and this way of eating messes with your blood sugar. It saps your energy and can cause some depression. But then, I think that all chronic illness can cause some depression. ;) I don't want that for you. My heart tugs, because I can tell that you are sincerely asking me. I don't even have the words to express how hugged my heart feels right now.